Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Leather Care for Heritage Bags

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 17, 2009 | 09:58 PM
  #1  
RDKingRider's Avatar
RDKingRider
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 1
From: Heart of Missouri
Default Leather Care for Heritage Bags

What is the best product for leather bags, I am not really pleased with the paste that comes with the bags but it works ok, I have heard mink oil and saddle soap, what else works for keeping the leather new looking and waterproof
 
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2009 | 10:34 PM
  #2  
Bluetick's Avatar
Bluetick
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
Default

Originally Posted by RDKingRider
What is the best product for leather bags, I am not really pleased with the paste that comes with the bags but it works ok, I have heard mink oil and saddle soap, what else works for keeping the leather new looking and waterproof
I use a product from Chilhowee Motorcycle Leather http://www.chilhowee.net/ called "Buffalo Butter". The product a thick oil/liquid and is very easy to apply with a soft rag. Buffalo Butter makes the leather bags and seat look brand new with a deep, bright black. I apply the butter at night, and let it sit on the leather all night. The next day I take a clean towel and just wipe off any access from the seat and bags. Here is an insert from their website that describes the ingredients. All I can tell you is that it is the best I have ever used. I have started using this produce on my car seats.

================================================== =============

Why Chilhowee Buffalo Butter?
Chilhowee Buffalo Butter is a combination of the finest leather oils and shea butter - an incredible moisturizer harvested from the nut of the Karite tree and imported from Africa - formulated to deeply penetrate the leather and replenish the lost fat liquors. Shea Butter is an expensive, all natural, effective moisturizer and healing balm used for centuries in the harsh, arid regions of Africa. The dynamic effect of combining shea butter with the finest leather oils is unsurpassed in a leather conditioner - and not available in any other product.
 
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2009 | 10:44 PM
  #3  
Bowtieman31's Avatar
Bowtieman31
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 1
From: Galt, CA
Default

I've been using Maguire's Gold Class Rich Leather, Cleaner and Conditioner. I've used this stuff since 2003 and it keeps the bags soft and waterproof. They look good also because it leaves them with a semi-gloss finish. Not too shiney or too dull. Works well.
 
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2009 | 10:48 PM
  #4  
BlackRob's Avatar
BlackRob
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 2
Default

I believe the Harley paste that comes with it is mink oil and seems to be good quality. I have used the same container that came with it for a couple of years now, you don't need to use very much of it. If you get scuffs put a little black Kiwi shoe polish and buff it off. For deep scratches (past the black) use a little Kiwi leather dye then polish then buff. You'll never know it was scratched.
 
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2009 | 11:09 PM
  #5  
Mordrapheus's Avatar
Mordrapheus
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 3
From: Long Island, NY
Default

might have to try one of those mentioned above...have used the stuff from HD its good but not great either
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2009 | 02:01 AM
  #6  
Trailfndr's Avatar
Trailfndr
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 12
From: Commerce, Mich.
Default

I use the HD conditioner for a normal washing application, but once a year (spring time ) I use Doc Baileys on all my leather for the bikes. Brings back the color, waterproofs, and protects. Works very well..

Most people overdo the leather. you have to allow leather to breath or it will dryout and crack. Keeping a good moisturizer on it helps alot, but you don't need it every day or week. HD's Conditioner (black bottle, NOT the Paste) is a good alternative and is very easy to work with, rub it in, wipe it off..does not make the seat slippery, but does do what its supposed to do.

Caution when using Doc Baileys, wear your riding gloves...keeps it off your hands, and applies it to your gloves at the same time.. And make sure you allow it to dry fully before buffing out. If you don't, you will get black on everything that touches the bags...
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2009 | 07:04 AM
  #7  
Chief101's Avatar
Chief101
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 667
Likes: 8
From:
Thumbs up

+1 Doc Baileys.........fantastic color restoration and finish.
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2009 | 08:12 AM
  #8  
Joe Diver's Avatar
Joe Diver
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 3
From: DFW Metroplex
Default

Originally Posted by Bluetick
.... The next day I take a clean towel and just wipe off any access from the seat and bags.....

If you wipe off the access, how do you get to your bags or put anything in them?

Sorry...couldn't resist......
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 18, 2009 | 08:56 AM
  #9  
moggsy's Avatar
moggsy
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 582
Likes: 3
From: Australia
Default

I just use the HD stuff as it works pretty good and no complaints here after 5 yrs.
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2009 | 10:16 AM
  #10  
krub6t9's Avatar
krub6t9
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,664
Likes: 22
From: st.louis MO
Default

i use mink oil and so far so good
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:00 PM.

story-0
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-6
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-7
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE